No wonder clipping path services are an essential part of professional image editing. That’s especially for ensuring clean cutouts where professional images matter the most. Such as e-commerce and promotional materials.
But the catch is here!
Not all images are the same. Some images are simple, and some have fine textures. That makes the same for clipping paths. Depending on the images, there are also different types of clipping paths. Obviously, you will need to understand these distinctions to select the perfect service and get flawless results. So what are we waiting for? Keep on reading.
Types Of Clipping Path Service
When you are ordering clipping path services, it’s essential for you to know exactly what each level means. Honestly speaking, the differences are not just semantics. They affect cost, time, quality, and how “perfect” the final cutout looks.
Let’s check out five different types of clipping paths you can expect from the clipping path services.
1. Basic Clipping Path
A basic clipping path separates objects with very simple shapes. For instance, straight borders and minimal curves. Generally, the images do not have holes or overlapping parts. You can say it’s the entry-level path.
Characteristics:
- Few anchor points in the path.
- Borders are straight or slightly curved.
- No internal holes or fine detail.
- No requirement to refine borders.
Examples of Objects:
- Books or boxes.
- Phones with clean edges.
- Flat items. For instance, as plain cards or boards.
2. Simple Clipping Path
A simple clipping path is simply a step up from a basic clipping path. It handles more curves and a few holes. It is still relatively straightforward. However, slightly more manual effort is required.
Characteristics:
- More anchor points than basic.
- Smooth curves.
- May include one or two holes.
Examples:
- Shoes with straps.
- Watches without very fine detailing.
- Bottles with curves.
- Apparel items like t-shirts.
3. Medium Clipping Path
As the name suggests, medium clipping path is a medium-level clipping path service. Here, images have multiple curves and some internal holes. The images have overlapping parts and moderate detail. However, it does not have extreme textures or very fine elements.
Characteristics:
- Many anchor points.
- Several curves and multiple holes
- Some overlapping objects.
- Edge refinement is important.
- Some transparency is present.
Examples:
- Handbags or purses with straps and buckles.
- Furniture with many parts
- Chairs with rods.
- Shoes with decorative stitching.
4. Complex Clipping Path
Complex clipping paths are for images that have many intricate features. Moreover, these images will have fine details and multiple internal holes. Plus, transparency, overlapping elements, reflective surfaces, or small parts are common in the images requiring a clipping path.
Characteristics:
- High density of anchor points.
- Possibly dozens of “paths”. For instance, outer path, inner holes, sub-paths.
- Overlapping and interlocking parts.
- Transparent or reflective parts.
- Requires more manual intervention and precise edge work.
Examples:
- Jewelry, chains, stones, filigree work.
- Lace fabric, netting, and mesh.
- Hair or fur.
- Glassware or shiny materials.
- Mechanical parts or machinery.
5. Super Complex Clipping Path
The super complex clipping path is the most complex one. Here, the images have objects with extremely fine and detailed features. Moreover, it has transparent materials, fine textures, overlapping complex elements, hair, fur, lace, mesh, blur, or translucency.
Characteristics:
- Very high anchor-point count.
- Multiple internal and external paths.
- Handles transparency and semi-transparency.
- Edges require soft transitions. Like fur and hair.
Examples:
- Portraits with loose hair, wisps, fur.
- Lace or fine fabrics.
- Feathers, fur coats, animals.
- Transparent glass with complex reflections.
- Very detailed mechanical objects with many holes and fine internal detail.
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Clipping Path Complexity Comparison Chart
| Level | Defining Features | Typical Objects | Anchor Points (Approx.) | Time per Image | Best Use Case |
| Basic | Straight edges, minimal curves, no holes, no overlaps | Books, phones, boxes, flat packaging | 2–20 | 1–2 minutes | Large batches of flat, simple products |
| Simple | Few curves, small holes, slightly irregular shapes | Shoes, bottles, watches, t-shirts | 20–50 | 2–5 minutes | E-commerce items with gentle curves |
| Medium | Multiple curves, several holes, overlapping parts | Handbags, chairs, and clothing with straps | 50–150 | 5–15 minutes | Catalog photos, grouped items |
| Complex | Many holes, intricate edges, transparency, and reflections | Jewelry, chains, lace fabric, glassware | 150–500 | 15–30 minutes | High-detail product photography, jewelry |
| Super Complex | Extremely detailed, soft edges (hair/fur), transparent or mesh fabrics | Hair, fur, lace, feathers, cycles, machinery | 500+ | 30–60+ minutes | High-end fashion, portraits, print-ready images |
Factors That Determine Clipping Path Complexity
There are some factors that determine the complexity of the clipping path. It affects the time and skill required for precise image editing. Here are some examples.
• First, object shape and detail:
It is the first crucial thing. Items with a simple shape, like boxes or bottles, are easier to clip. But on the other hand, intricate objects such as jewelry or hair require extensive effort for clipping.
• Second, the complexity of edges:
It also impacts the difficulty of the clipping path. Clipping paths on smooth edges is straightforward. But if the images have curved or feathered edges, it increases the complexity of the clipping path.
• Third, overlapping elements and transparent areas:
It is also a crucial factor in determining the complexity of the clipping path. Images of glass or water make clipping more challenging. That’s because they require careful masking to maintain their real feature.
• Fourth, image resolution:
Image resolution also matters when determining the complexity of the clipping path. When the images have higher resolution, they have more detail. Ultimately, they require more precise paths.
• Finally, the required output quality:
Last but not least- required output quality. If you need a clipping path for high-end commercial or e-commerce images, it will need flawless editing. In contrast, if you need casual edits, minor imperfections will not affect your image too much.
Discover how to create a clipping path using the Pen Tool in Photoshop in this helpful guide.
Conclusion
All in all, you need to know the types of clipping path services to achieve precise and high-quality image edits. That’s because each level requires different time, cost, and skill. That mainly depends on object shape, holes, texture, transparency, and intended use.
Ultimately, you can select the right service by understanding these factors. So, take your time and choose the right complexity for professional results.
Transform Your Images with Expert Clipping Path Services
Also of interest:
- What is Clipping Path in Photoshop? A Beginner’s Guide (2025)
- Clipping Path vs Background Removal – What’s the Difference?
- DIY Clipping Path vs Professional Service – Which is Better?
- 10 Best Clipping Path Services In London [Experts Choice]
- How To Choose Clipping Path Service Provider For E-commerce Business
- Benefits Of Clipping Path Outsource: Get Your Images Edited Easily!
- Best Clipping Path Service Providers of 2025: How to Choose the Best One
- Clipping Path vs Image Masking – Which is Right for You?
